Miller honored by Kern COG

Randy Miller was honored for his decades of service to Taft with one of the Kern Council of Government's most prestigious awards.

Miller received the Darrell Hildebrand Regional Ward of Merit for Distinguished Leadership last week at Kern COG's annual awards banquet.

Miller, a native Taftian (he was born at the Fort) has been active in numerous local government and civic organizations since he returned to Taft to stay more than three decades ago.

He received his award from longtime friend and fellow councilman, Paul Linder, who is vice chair of the Kern COG Board and nominated Miller for this honor.

“Upon returning to his home town in 1979, as well has working and raising a family, he embarked on a long and honorable career in public service which continues today," Linder said in his nomination, much of which was shown in a presentation before Miller received his award.

“Randy does not know how to say no to any person or organization who asks for help,” Linder added. “He is a cheerleader for the local community and a proud family man, veteran, and public servant never asking anything in return but continuing to give back to his community and country while encouraging all citizens to “Not just reside in Taft, but to live here”.

Linder hosted Thursday night's awards dinner at the Petroleum Club.

Miller has been on the Taft City Council for more than a decade and before that he was a longtime board member of the West Side Health Care District, which operated West Side District Hospital.

He is a longtime Kiwanian and, after retiring from his job at the Career Services Center, volunteers at the NEEDS Center.

Miller has been on the Oildorado Board for more than 30 years, served as executive director of the Taft Chamber of Commerce, served on the board of the Fort Preservation Society and many, many other organizations.

Miller is the third Taftian to receive the prestigious honor. Last year, Bob Hampton was honored for his many civic contributions to the community, and in 2007 retiring Chief of Police Bert Pumphrey was the recipient.